The Emergency Department (ED) at St. James Mercy Hospital is a specialized service designed for patients with acute illness or injuries.

We understand that visiting an ED may not be a pleasant experience. We believe that we can make your experience a better one by explaining how the Emergency Department operates and what you can expect to happen while you are there.

Triage
When you first come to the Emergency Department you will receive a "triage" assessment. The purpose is to make an initial determination about the nature and the severity of your illness. This will also determine the order in which you will be seen. Please note that the order in which you are triaged may not be the order that you are seen.

Medical Screening Exam
As part of your care, you have the right to have, within our capabilities at St. James Mercy Hospital, an appropriate medical screening and exam by a qualified medical person.

If your exam determines that you are suffering from a medical emergency you will receive medical treatment from the St. James Mercy staff.

If St. James Mercy lacks the ability to stabilize the condition, we will arrange to have you transferred to another facility. You WILL receive these services even if you CANNOT pay.

Emergency Department Physicians and Providers
St. James Mercy Hospital partners with a Buffalo-based company called Teamhealth to provide the Emergency Department physicians and physician assistants. Teamhealth is committed to providing the best level of care in the ED and achieving the highest level of patient satisfaction. For more information visit www.teamhealth.com .

Why are you waiting?
Our goal is to see every patient as soon as possible. However, patients that need intensive care or are critically ill or injured will be treated first.

Other reasons for delays:

Lab, x-ray or other specialized testing results

Obtaining proper medical history and information

Contacting your family medical doctor

Awaiting admission

Please be assured that it is our goal to make your visit in the ED as speedy and comfortable as possible.

Leaving prior to exam
If you have been waiting a long time you may feel tempted to leave without a proper exam. You have the legal right to do so, however, we strongly discourage it. Leaving prior to an exam can be serious, perhaps even a life-threatening decision that should not be made out of frustration.

Things to consider:

Getting the exam may save your life and not getting it may endanger your life.

Getting a proper exam may prevent your condition from worsening.

Going to another facility will likely delay, not speed up, your exam and treatment. The wait at another facility may be as long, if not longer, and travel time could be detrimental. If you still feel that you want to leave, we ask that you notify the triage nurse or ED secretary.

Emergency Preparedness
No one can plan on when or where an emergency may arise. Here some helpful tips to make your emergency less stressful:

Know your health care plan

Maintain good communication with your doctor

Carry all important medical information with you always. We recommend a list of medications, medical history and any allergies to medications.

Be sure to keep a list of emergency numbers by the telephone:

Ambulance

Fire

Police

Doctor

Poison Control

Remember the ED is always here if you need it, however, it should not take the place of seeing your regular primary care physician.

Billing
You will receive a separate bill for the services you receive by the attending physician in the Emergency Department from Teamhealth through a third-party billing company, Akron Billing Center. If you have questions about this bill, please contact:

St. James Mercy Hospital does not discriminate based on ability to pay. Treatment will be provided to anyone seeking medical help regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. If you have any further questions, please call (607) 324-8030.

Copyright 2005 – 2014 St. James Mercy Health System. All rights reserved.
St. James Mercy Health System includes St. James Mercy Hospital in Hornell, NY and serves Steuben Co. and the surrounding region